Could you have landed a job at Vogue in the '90s?
I could not have.
Hi everyone! Happy Friday!
Bummer, I did not pass the “Could you have landed a job at Vogue in the ‘90s” test I found in the NYT newsletter this week. I scored a 22/32, a D-. Being born in ‘95 put me at a slight disadvantage. It’s a fun quiz, though — take it and let me know how you do!
Clicking through these hypothetical interview questions, I began thinking about hiring in general. It’s top of mind because I went through an unexpected interview process this month (didn’t get the job, but as a dear friend texted me, “wasn’t meant to be!”). My two brothers are in similar transitional life stages, all of us confronting this weird and, in some ways, bleak job market. Call me romantic or nostalgic, but I’d be impressed if a hiring manager emailed me an assignment like this fake Vogue one from the ‘90s, something that tested my knowledge of Proust and the art scene in New York City. Hot take: Cultural seasoning is underrated. (AI is overrated.)
Jumping right off that soapbox, let’s get to some recs!
SAVED TABS
For your hair //
An XL scrunchie: Every summer, like clockwork, my hair is an inch too long and two pounds too heavy, and I’m putting it up in a ponytail all the damn time. For hair ties, I’m partial to a scrunchie that’s big and colorful this time of year. I’m currently wearing the pink paisley one from Slip (I can only find it in this pack), which I think I stole from my sister, although I think she took it from me first. Also, this $10 one might be the same one Paige Lorenze has.
Shell clips: seashells for your half-up.
For journaling//
Ten Images: Sometimes I get bored journaling and find prompts helpful. This one is fun. It asks you to recall ten different things you’ve seen in the past twenty-four hours and describe them, like mental pictures. I did it and wrote about two eggs in a frying pan, the red t-shirt my friend was wearing when she FaceTimed me, and my green pen that’s running out of ink. The ‘why’ is to take more mental snapshots (i.e, be more observant).
For your body //
A summer “tan extender”: This Augustinus Bader body oil is stupid expensive, but if you have the budget and want to keep your skin glowy and hydrated, it’s worth it. It has perfect reviews, and in a recent Airmail interview, Daisy Knatchbull called it her “summer obsession” and a (faux) “tan extender.” Sold.
To have and hold //
A special beaded pouch: I can’t remember which fashion Substack linked The Hold, but I’m so glad I found it. The beaded bags are perfect and special. I’m obsessed with the His Eyes Pouch (great name).
For your vocabulary//
‘Cascatelli’: I like the question ‘If you were a pasta shape, which would you be?’ I used to say pastina, but now I have a new answer: Cascatelli. I fell down a rabbit hole about its invention and patent. I have yet to try it, but J. Crew just did a collab, so maybe I’ll go find a box on display in one of the stores and see if I can buy it.
To read//
The Tell by Amy Griffin: I waited months to get off the waitlist for this book and could tell from the first page that it was going to hit me. I’m like 30 pages in and already don’t want it to end.
To listen to//
Have a great weekend! And if you’re wearing makeup in this heat, a tip from my girl Sara Tan: Don’t forget to drench your face with setting spray — that’s the only way it works:)
Love,
Megan
oh! how nice to find your newsletter - I love your tone!! And the tips :)